As soon as you start your own business, you need suppliers. Whether you're a sole proprietorship or a multinational. Software, goods, services, logistics, everyone needs something to be able to do business. You put a lot of time and energy into finding the right supplier, and when the picture fits, you enter into a client-supplier relationship. A bit like a marriage, then.
We often hear companies say that they're 'not married to their supplier'. But in practice, it turns out that breaking up is much more difficult than expected. Yet a professionally negotiated alternative can save you a lot of money. Why then the tendency to still remain loyal to a supplier who costs you too much?
Emotional Attachment
A frequently heard argument is: 'but he is so helpful, we get good service'. Our first reaction to that is always: of course, you pay him well for it too. By the way, nothing says that a cheaper supplier will necessarily give you worse service.
Supplier is Customer
'But they are also our customer'. This is also an argument that is used left and right to declare loyalty to the supplier. A third party who can judge this objectively is then very useful. And if your supplier uses correct prices, he doesn't have to be afraid of anything either.
The Head Office
We also often hear that the head office said it had to be that way. Often something is imposed from above and the local branches then take the rest. Internationally, deals are sharply negotiated, but that gives little margin locally. There they then run the risk of paying dearly for products and services that weren't in the negotiation.
Rather Lazy Than Tired
Many also simply don't feel like changing. Still others find it too much administrative work. Or there's a new contact person, for example. Yet you can also get significant results here with a small effort.
Whatever reason you have, it pays to look critically at your relationship with your suppliers. There's often a lot to save. If you still don't feel like it yourself, you can of course turn to professionals from Buyology. Can we help you with something? Let us know and then we'll discuss together how you can save.